Malaysia eyes $2.7 billion in annual medical tourism revenue by 2030

Country leverages quality, affordability, and personalized care to strengthen its global position

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Malaysia is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of generating $2.7 billion in annual medical tourism revenue by 2030, with 1.52 million international patients visiting in the first quarter of 2025, according to the Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC).

Medical tourists increasingly come from diverse regions, including South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, in addition to traditional markets like Indonesia and China, Channel News Asia reports.

The MHTC is spearheading efforts to enhance Malaysia’s reputation as a premier global medical hub. 

“We must prepare for the challenges, particularly in expanding capacity,” said Mohamed Ali Abu Bakar, CEO of MHTC. 

He noted that hospitals across Malaysia are expanding facilities to meet the rising demand.

To remain competitive in the growing global market, the country focuses on providing high-quality, affordable, and personalized healthcare services. 

While medical inflation is a global issue, Malaysia remains one of the most cost-effective destinations in the region, according to Dr. Kuljit Singh, president of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia.

The steady growth of medical tourism positions Malaysia as a leader in the industry, blending affordability with world-class healthcare to attract patients from around the world.